Market Trends of Middle-East And Africa Aerospace Composites Industry
Commercial Aviation Segment to Exhibit the Highest Growth Rate
The growing air passenger traffic in the Middle-East and African region is propelling the market growth for new narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. In November 2023, Dubai's Emirates Airlines signed an order for 15 Airbus A350-900 wide-body jets, which is worth USD 6 billion. Airbus has delivered ten new 320neos to Middle-East airlines Jazeera from 2021 till today. Airbus uses materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and high resistance to corrosion. The lower weight of composite-made aircraft provides high fuel efficiency and load capacity as well. Aircraft such as Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing B787 are made up of more than 50% composite materials. Airbus is currently testing 4D printing technology and digital materials, which will change the physical structure when coming in contact with environmental forces. Also, in November 2022, Boeing announced the resumption of deliveries of its B787 Dreamliner wide-body aircraft to airlines in Middle-East and Africa, following a pause of more than a year owing to manufacturing flaws. Such developments and increasing orders from the region will propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.
United Arab Emirates to Witness the Highest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
The United Arab Emirates is one of the largest importers of weapons in the region, and it has significantly increased its spending on the procurement of new defense aircraft. In November 2023, a purchase agreement for 40 Calidus B-250T turboprop warplanes was inked by the United Arab Emirates Air Force. The new B-250 aircraft will feature extensive use of composites. The country’s initial request for procuring F-35 advanced aircraft was turned down by the United States, and in 2019, the United Arab Emirates showed interest in joining the Su-57 development program after Russia made an offer to produce some parts of the aircraft in the United Arab Emirates. Composite materials are extensively used in the RAFALE, and they account for 70% of the wetted area. They also account for the 40% increase in the max take-off weight to empty weight ratio compared with traditional airframes built of aluminum and titanium. The wings - swept-back, delta wings with close-coupled, fully moving canards are predominantly composites with titanium slats, Kevlar wing roots, and tip fairings. The single vertical tail fin is carbon fiber with a honeycomb core in the rudder. Engine and wheel doors are also carbon fiber. By the end of 2022, the United Arab Emirates had ordered 80 Dassault Rafale jets. Due to the rise in business and tourism travel in the country, domestic airlines such as Emirates are expanding their fleet by procuring new aircraft. Developments such as these will enhance the growth of the market during the forecast period.
